Listed below is a brief description of the course and the objectives each student should be able to complete by the end of the course.

Brief Course Description:

This is a course designed to present a logical development as an introductory course to algebra that emphasizes basic concepts and skills and fundamental operations. Increased emphasis is placed on such topics as the use of integers, equations, inequalities, graphing, and applications to problem solving.

Course Content/Objectives:

• Students use the four basic arithmetic operations (+, -, x, /) with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

• Students evaluate expressions using the order of operations.

• Students graph ordered pairs on the coordinate plane.

• Students gather, record, and interpret data.

• Students write and solve equations and inequalities.

• Students compare and order integers; and use the four basic arithmetic operations (+, -, x, /) with integers.

• Students find the perimeter and area of given polygons.

• Students use powers and exponents in expressions and equations.

• Students multiply and divide monomials.

• Students collect, organize, and represent data sets that have one or more variables and interpret information from graphical displays.

• Students apply basic statistics (mean, median, mode, and range) and the meaning of probability.

• Students write numbers in scientific notation.

• Students find the slope of a line.

• Students graph linear equations and linear inequalities.

• Students solve a system of linear equations by graphing.

• Students find the probability of simple events.

• Students express decimals and fractions as percents and vice versa.

• Students add, subtract, and multiply monomials and polynomials.

• Students use and know simple aspects of logical argument.

• Students use properties of the number system to judge the validity of results, to justify each step of a procedure, and to prove or disprove statements. (Estimation – does the answer "make sense")

Methods used in mastering concepts:

Mathematics is a discipline that lends itself to pencil and paper computation. But, there are a variety of alternative methods, in addition to traditional textbook practice problems, such as websites that have students interact with the problems, through graphics and manipulatives. In addition to a variety of websites a student and parent may work on hands-on projects to show mastery of a concept.

For example: Let’s say that one key concept in pre-algebra is to study and use the mean, median, and mode of a data set. Many textbooks give the student a list of numbers to take the mean, median, and mode of.

An alternative way to reach mastery is by having the student attend or watch a sporting event. Using statistics from the event, a student can then take the mean, median, and mode. The student then would record all the information, to ensure accuracy.

The student has experienced first hand how algebra concepts can be used in daily life and has used a method of teaching that does not rely on the textbook.

Materials used:

A variety of resources can be used in order to master the objectives listed above. Here is a list of a few different resources that may be used:

Textbooks:

Additional Resources:

Assessment:

Each student will be required to demonstrate his or her understanding of each objective in this course.

Assessment testing, projects, and oral examinations/demonstrations, are a few methods that can be used by a student to demonstrate competency.

Grading:

Each student will be responsible for building a portfolio that contains how the student mastered each concept listed above.

Each student will be required to pass assessments that are administered by the instructor.

Grading Scale:

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F 50-below